The increasing importance of flammable refrigerants to the cooling industry as it aims to meet the requirements of EU F-Gas regulation, as well as fears about ensuring the appropriate and legal use of such products, are among the key themes of a new joint industry guide.

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RAC Magazine is the leading source of news, information and analysis for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. For over a century, RAC has provided decision makers with unrivalled coverage of the latest technical innovations that drive this sector.

Last year’s winner Chris Kilbane, who trained at the ChillAir (UK) Academy, reflected on his achievement, and urged anyone who is considering entering to get involved.

“I would say to all apprentices out there, you have to buy the ticket to win the raffle. You may not think you have a chance, however the panel may think differently, and see things in you that you may not have acknowledged. There’s really nothing to lose.”

Recalling the night, Chris said: “I really didn’t expect to win, so when I made it to the final in London I was really surprised, and just happy to be there, I didn’t think I’d be in the top three on the night.

But then the award for first place came around, and the announcer started to read part of the statement I submitted, and I thought ‘That’s me!’

I turned to a colleague and said, I think I’ve won this! Then my name was called and I was overwhelmed, I was really not expecting it.

I’ve had many emails of congratulations from friends and colleagues at work, and from the directors, which is great. I also get recognised a lot more when out in the field by customers, both past and present. I’m also finding that people listen to me and are keen to get my opinion.”

So if you have an engineer in training that you think is worthy of competing with the best refrigeration and air conditioning students in the country, ensure they enter.

All of the student of the year finalists will be invited to the annual Cooling Awards ceremony taking place at the London Hilton, Park Lane on 25th September, where they will be able to rub shoulders with over 700 of the industries finest and find out who has won the coveted award.

Who can be nominated?

Nominees should be refrigeration and air conditioning engineers who are currently working towards a nationally recognised RAC qualification. There is no upper age limit.

Who can make a nomination?

Nominations can be submitted by either the employer, or the training provider of the nominee.

How many nominations are participants allowed to put forward?

Training Providers and Employers can make multiple nominations. For each nomination it is essential that the information supplied gives the judges a clear idea of how that particular student stands out from the crowd.

Who will judge the nominations?

Once your nominations are received they will be pored over by a panel of industry experts, who will decide on a shortlist of finalists.

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RAC Magazine is the leading source of news, information and analysis for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. For over a century, RAC has provided decision makers with unrivalled coverage of the latest technical innovations that drive this sector.